Colossians: Against the Tide

The Book of Colossians teaches principles for living a Christian life in the midst of a non-Christian culture. Sometimes this calls for us to stand against the tide of public opinion or popular trends. This nine-session study will address such issues as how to please God, develop a stable walk with God, think like a Christian, practice spiritual self-defense, live with a focus, and become a prayer warrior.

Session One

How to Please GodTo please God we need to love him enough to make a difference in the way we act, think, and live.
Colossians 1:1–14
Colossians teaches principles for living a Christian life in the midst of a non-Christian culture. Sometimes this calls for us to stand against the tide of public opinion or popular trends.

Session Two

An Easy Life or a Great Life?Success is not about living an easy life; it's about living a great life.
Colossians 1:15–2:1
One of the hallmarks of becoming a Christian is redefining what it means to be successful. This study will help you to do that.

Session Three

A Stable Walk with GodWe are saved by faith, and we live by faith.
Colossians 2:2–7
If your Christian life resembles a roller-coaster ride, Colossians 2:2–7 can show you how to establish stability in your daily walk with Jesus. Paul uses four pivotal phrases that are crucial to living in Christ.

Session Four

Think Like a ChristianEverything we need we have in Christ.
Colossians 2:8–15
In contrast to what "worldly philosophies" teach, Paul boldly states that everything we need we have in Christ. There are three things in particular that we will look at in this study.

Session Five

Spiritual Self-DefenseConnect to Christ and allow him to become the focus of your existence.
Colossians 2:16–23
Paul gives us a course in spiritual self-defense; he shows us how to protect ourselves from thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and attitudes that put us at risk spiritually. This study covers three primary pitfalls to avoid.

Session Six

Living with a FocusTo win the inner civil war, you have to set your heart and mind on Christ.
Galatians 5:22–23
If you're not careful, there are three obstacles that will disrupt your life, drive a wedge between your heart and your head, and prevent you from living a committed, focused Christian life.

Session Seven

When People Rub You the Wrong WayGod wants us to live together in unity.
Colossians 3:12–17
The ability to get along with others requires a great deal of effort. Learn to live in harmony with one another.

Session Eight

What You Do Comes Back to Youif you do right or wrong, you will be paid in kind.
Colossians 3:18–4:1
The Bible teaches that what you do in this life comes back to you in this life—and the one to come. If you do right, you will be paid for doing right; if you do wrong, you will be paid for doing wrong.

Session Nine

Become a Prayer WarriorWe need to develop a solid foundation of prayer.
Colossians 4:2–6
Paul challenged the Colossian Christians to do three things regarding prayer: Make prayer a priority, look for things to pray about, and pray with a good attitude.

This Study Through the Bible Course is based on a sermon series "Against the Tide" by Steve May.